Denim shorts are more than a summer staple—they're a canvas for expressing your personal style. Whether you're reaching for a relaxed cut-off or a structured high-waisted pair, the right shorts can transform how you feel in your clothes. This guide helps you find pieces that work with your body, your lifestyle, and the moments you want to create.

Types of Denim Shorts

Understanding the different styles helps you choose shorts that align with your aesthetic and comfort needs.

Cut-Off Shorts

Cut-off shorts have a raw, unfinished hem that gives them a relaxed, lived-in feel. They're typically created by cutting and fraying the hem of old jeans, which creates a casual, effortless look. These shorts work well for laid-back days and can be dressed up with a blazer or down with a simple tee. The raw edge adds texture and character, making them feel more personal and less polished.

When choosing cut-offs, consider the inseam length. Shorter inseams (2–3 inches) offer a more casual vibe, while longer ones (4–5 inches) provide more coverage and versatility. The wash color also matters—lighter washes feel more relaxed, while darker washes can be dressed up more easily.

High-Waisted Shorts

High-waisted shorts sit at or above your natural waistline, creating a defined silhouette that flatters many body types. They elongate your legs and create a balanced proportion, especially when paired with crop tops or tucked-in blouses. The higher waistline offers more coverage and support, making them a comfortable choice for all-day wear.

These shorts work particularly well for creating a polished look. Pair them with a fitted top to emphasize the waist, or layer with a blazer for a more structured ensemble. The key is finding a rise that sits comfortably at your natural waist without feeling too tight or restrictive.

Distressed Shorts

Distressed shorts feature intentional cuts, tears, or fraying that add visual interest and edge to your outfit. The level of distressing varies—some have subtle rips at the knees, while others feature more dramatic tears throughout. These details give the shorts character and texture, making them feel more intentional than basic denim.

Distressed shorts work well for casual, edgy looks. They pair naturally with graphic tees, band shirts, or denim jackets. The key is balancing the distressed details with the rest of your outfit—if your shorts are heavily distressed, keep other pieces simpler to avoid looking overdone.

How to Style Denim Shorts

The versatility of denim shorts means you can create looks for almost any occasion. Here's how to style them for different moments in your life.

Casual Day Out

For everyday errands or casual meetups, pair cut-off shorts with a graphic tee and comfortable sneakers. Add a crossbody bag for hands-free convenience and simple jewelry that doesn't compete with the relaxed vibe. This combination feels effortless and comfortable, perfect for when you want to look put-together without trying too hard.

Consider the details—a well-fitted tee, clean sneakers, and a bag that complements your style. These small choices elevate the look from basic to intentional, showing that casual doesn't mean careless.

Summer Night Out

High-waisted shorts create a polished foundation for evening looks. Pair them with a crop top and wedges for a combination that's both comfortable and chic. Add a statement necklace or earrings to draw attention upward and complete the ensemble. The higher waistline creates a flattering silhouette that works well for dinner, drinks, or summer events.

Choose darker washes for evening wear—they feel more sophisticated and can be dressed up more easily. The key is balancing comfort with style, so you can enjoy your night without constantly adjusting your outfit.

Festival or Concert

Distressed shorts are perfect for music events where you want to look cool and feel comfortable. Pair them with a band tee or graphic shirt and combat boots for an edgy, relaxed vibe. Layer with a denim jacket or flannel for cooler evenings, and choose accessories that won't get in the way when you're moving or dancing.

The goal is creating a look that feels authentic to the event while keeping you comfortable for hours of standing or dancing. Distressed details add character without requiring maintenance, so you can focus on enjoying the music.

Finding Your Perfect Fit

The right fit makes all the difference in how you feel in your shorts. Pay attention to the rise, inseam length, and overall cut to find pieces that work with your body type and personal style.

Understanding Rise

Rise refers to where the waistband sits on your body. Low-rise sits below your natural waist, mid-rise sits at your natural waist, and high-rise sits above it. The right rise depends on your body type and comfort preferences. High-rise options create a defined waist and elongate your legs, while low-rise offers a more relaxed, casual feel.

Choosing the Right Length

Inseam length affects both coverage and proportion. Shorter inseams (2–3 inches) work well for petite frames and create a more casual vibe. Longer inseams (4–5 inches) offer more coverage and can be more flattering for taller individuals. Consider your comfort level and the occasions you'll wear them when choosing length.

Fit and Comfort

The best shorts are ones you'll actually want to wear. Look for a fit that's comfortable around your waist and hips without being too tight or too loose. Consider the stretch content—shorts with some stretch offer more comfort and flexibility, while 100% cotton maintains its shape but may feel more rigid.

Explore our denim collection to find pieces that complement your denim shorts. From denim jackets to denim skirts, discover items that help you create cohesive looks that feel authentically you.

FAQs

Use our size chart for accurate measurements. For denim shorts, pay attention to waist and hip measurements rather than just the size number, as fit can vary between styles and brands. When in doubt, size up for a more comfortable fit, especially if you prefer a relaxed look. Keep in mind that denim may stretch slightly with wear, so a snug fit initially may become more comfortable over time.

Most orders ship within 1–3 business days. You'll receive tracking information once your order is processed, so you can follow your package every step of the way. During peak seasons, shipping may take slightly longer, but we'll keep you updated throughout the process.

Wash denim shorts inside out in cold water to preserve color and prevent fading. Air dry when possible to prevent shrinking and maintain the shape of the shorts. For distressed styles, avoid washing too frequently to maintain the distressed look and prevent further fraying. If your shorts have specific distressing details, consider spot cleaning when possible to extend their lifespan.

Yes, with the right styling choices. High-waisted shorts in darker washes pair well with blazers and heels for a more polished look. Choose styles with minimal distressing and pair them with structured tops and sophisticated accessories. The key is balancing the casual nature of denim with more formal pieces to create a cohesive, elevated ensemble.

Shorter inseams (2–3 inches) work well for petite frames and create a more casual, relaxed vibe. Longer inseams (4–5 inches) offer more coverage and can be more flattering for taller individuals. High-waisted styles can help create the illusion of longer legs regardless of your height. The most important factor is choosing a length that makes you feel comfortable and confident.